Knox County Sheriff -
Sheriff J.J. Jones

Knox County Sheriff News

Officer Shoots Attacking Pit Bull Dog

Wednesday, 10 November 2010

A Knox County Sheriff’s Office detective shot and killed a pit bull dog that attacked him Monday night on Depot Road. Detective Jim Shipley and three other detectives had a warrant for a burglary suspect they believed was in a mobile home at 9402 Depot Road. The homeowner, 49 year old Jerry Hammer, told officers that the suspect was not there and shut the door. Hammer said he was going to get his I.D., but let the dog out which charged Shipley. The dog bit him several times above the knee leaving puncture wounds. Shipley fired at least one round killing the animal. It’s unclear at this time how many rounds were fired. Shipley was taken to U.T. Hospital for treatment. Animal Control took the dog to have it tested for rabies.

Hammer was taken into custody and charged with aggravated assault. He is in the Knox County Detention Facility under a $5,000 bond.